Tayva & Micah

Family

2008-10-13T19:53:00.009-08:00

Chelsea (sister-in-law), James (older brother), and I went to a friends' wedding and instead of taking pictures of the Bride & Groom we decided to take some family photos. Enjoy!

Tayva & Jayden (nephew)

Micah & Jake (nephew/cousins)

Chelsea and her two boys

Jayden & Jake

Fall Time & Other things

2008-09-04T20:50:00.002-08:00

I love the fall, especially in Utah because you acutally have four different seasons every year. Summer was nice, but hot as usual and it is nice to wake up and go to bed with the outside air being cool and crisp.

I just started my 2008 fall semester at Utah Valley University. I thought this would be my last fall semester for my Bachelor degree but there was a miscalculation made and I will be graduating December 2009 if all goes as planned with a Bachelor Degree in Paralegal Studies. I love the legal field and my classes this semester are all in the legal field. It has been nice taking other classes that were outside of my field of interest but now that I am getting down to my last few semesters I am glad that I get to spend them in depth in my field.

I am taking two mediation courses, which will have me doing mediations in small claims court around Utah County. How crazy is that? I think of where I have been and what I have gone through in the last three years and to think that I am providing a service to the public in the legal field and my life is progressing in a positive way, that is amazing.

Micah is turning 4 next month. I can't wait to make his birthday cake. I am going to take him shopping this weekend for his cake and I am going to let him go around the store and pick foods to put on a list for his birthday party. I want him to make his own decisions about what he wants for this birthday. He is good at knowing what the other kids will like...mom's aren't always in tune with the child mind and palete. His favorite food is beef jerky...who knew that he would actually pick something healthy. He does have a sweet tooth for PINK Krispy Creme doughnuts. He likes the color pink a lot which is funny sometimes.

Micah and I went on a roadtrip to Colorado over the Aug. 8th weekend for a cousin's birthday *(Brittany it was beautiful and I can only hope for a wedding so beautiful and a man so perfect for me when I get married)*. The landscape for the wedding was amazing. The marriage ceremony was at sunset, and it was on a 'farm' so to speak. They have horses and some of the horses were acutally coming over to the fence in the background to get in on the ceremony. When I saw the bride and groom later in the evening you could see the love they had for each other. It was a beautiful sight and brought some tears to my eyes, but of course I didn't cry. I wouldn't want anyone to know my deep down secret of actually wishing that my 'day' would be sooner than later.

We also were able to spend the weekend of Aug. 22nd with friends camping in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. It was a great trip with many memories to cherish. I was able to watch one of my friends with her kids. Usually I don't see her with her kids because they are with their dad during the week and she only gets visitation with them. You can tell how much she loves them. I love to go camping and just sit in the wilderness and know that this is what God created for us. This beautiful land, the friends, and the world. I find my self 'stopping to smell the roses' a lot more often these days. I guess when things are in perspective in your life you can stop and enjoy life more often. I love it.

I love being a mother. I can't express that enough to Micah. I want him to know how much I love him, how much I care for him, and how much I want him to be happy and fulfilled in his life. He is a great child and will be an even greater man someday. Every year at Micah's birthday I write in this journal that I will some day pass on to him. I know the decisions that I have made in my life affect him in ways that I will never understand nor see but I do hope that he can gain knowledge and perspective from my writings to him. Micah, you are my strength, my inspiration, my heart, my life and my love. You ARE the magical moments of my motherhood. I love you!

Okay, well now that I am getting really sappy and starting to tear up I am going to end this writing for the night.

A Day Out With Thomas the Tank Engine 2008

2008-05-23T16:29:00.002-08:00

New Pictures!!

2008-05-23T16:26:00.000-08:00

Finals Are Over.....Summer 2008 Semester Begins

2008-04-30T19:57:00.003-08:00

So, I finished the Spring 08' semester last week and today was my first day of summer semester. I have some fun classes including a communications class. I walked into class a bit late due to the class being clear across campus from the previous class and the professor was singing...singing. We all sat there laughing as he continued throughout (almost the whole) class period of 2 hrs singing different phrases, the syllabus etc. It was entertaining to say the least. I think it might be one of my favorite classes. I don't think I fear public speaking as much as he says most do but we will see. We have eight or so speeches to give this semester beginning with one in two days. It is supposed to be my funeral eulogy in third person. Interesting, I wonder if we can make things up lol. I think I will rock that one but other than that I haven't looked forward to the rest of the speeches.

So, I am using Microsoft Office OneNote 2007 for my notes in class this semester. I have a hard time keeping track of the millions of papers I receive from classes so I think that will be a lot easier. As for professors giving out paper I really believe they should just go with the 'go green' theme at UVU and literally go green and have everything posted electronically. There is no reason for such a waste of paper. I believe it comes from the fact that most of the professors are older and do not realize that the computer and the technology it brings is their friend, not foe.

Micah is getting big. He is exactly 3 years, 6 months, 2 weeks, and 5 days old. He is a great kid and helps around the house a lot. He also likes to be a vegetable and watch dvd's or play outside for hours on end. It can get pretty cold out there when I am out there with him. He is doing really well with the bedtime of 8pm but sometimes I find it hard to motivate myself to put him to bed at that time...he kind of freaks out at first but by the time he gets his pj's and blankie he goes right to sleep.

My friends, Jackie & Dujuan, just had their precious bundle of joy April 28, 2008 I believe at 5:56am or so. He was 8 lbs 5 oz and 21 inches long (if I am remembering correctly) He is just about the same size as Micah (8lbs 2oz) and looks sooooo darling all wrapped like a burrito in his hospital blanket. Jackie is looking beautiful and I know her and Dujuan are going to have a blast with this little one. They have waited a long time for this and definitely deserve it.

My dating life...well, I don't know how to describe it. When it is good it is good. Right now it has kind of picked up but I am thinking I need another break. I am tired of going on endless dates and ending up back in the same place. Don't get me wrong, I loved the dates and people that I have met. Most of them have added value to my life but at this point I know school and Micah are my priorities and I haven't found a person that I should focus on and make a priority in my life. I am good with friends for now. Maybe I should stop dating until after law school in 2011...lol. People always ask why haven't I gotten remarried yet...I think it is because I am okay with being single, being independent, and I love myself for who I am and not for who I am married to. Anyways, this could probably go on for awhile but I need to catch some zzz's before I need to wake up.

Sunny Utah

2008-04-14T08:51:00.003-08:00

So we are back here in Utah. I didn't ever think I would be back and never did I think I would be back so soon. I miss my job with the Attorney General's Office. I had a wonderful time working there. I am finishing my Spring semester at UVSC (soon to be Utah Valley University). It has been a good semester that has gone very smoothly. I am not working so I can focus 100% on my schooling. This has been a great blessing and has helped me tremendously improve my GPA. I am still single and really enjoying the time I have to get to know who I am and what I stand for.

Micah is getting older, not to mention funnier, and even more handsome every day. He talks in full sentances and is really grapsing the use of language in his everyday life. It is interesting how they go from small little infants to tall running toddlers so quickly.

To sum up the past four months everything has been really good. Thank you to all my friends that have supported me, I love you guys!

Leaving Bethel

2007-12-07T18:13:00.000-09:00

Our time in Bethel, Alaska is coming to a close. I can’t believe it has almost been 8 months since Micah & I moved to this little slice of tundra in Alaska. Living here has been very interesting and overall rewarding. Many lessons were learned that will stay with me throughout my life.

I fully enjoyed working at the Attorney General’s Office here. I made lasting friendships that I will take away from this small town. I am thankful for the many people who reached out and touched my heart while I was here. Thank you to those of you who made many opportunities possible in my life.

We are leaving Bethel on Sunday, December 9th on the evening jet and plan to be in Utah on the 10th. It will be nice to be in a city again. School starts early in January so we hope to be settled by that time. I will be attending UVSC (soon to be Utah Valley University) for my remaining three semesters. I will keep you all updated as to how that goes.

Bethel......Loving it!

2007-09-11T17:48:00.000-08:00

Things are going really well here in Bethel, AK for Micah & I. I was thinking the other day about Micah and how big he is getting. He will be three on October 11th. It is amazing how fast time flies when you have kids running around. I love being a mom! Micah is now potty-trained. He has been doing wonderful with all of that lately. Also, he is signed up for a pre-school so hopefully he will be able to go there once he is three. They had two conditions upon entrance to the school...he had to be 3 and potty-trained. I will keep everyone updated on that! I can't wait until he gets to go to school. I know he is going to love it. Micah can even snap his fingers on both hands and has a 'snap dance' he likes to do. Lastly, I just want to say thank you to all of my friends who have helped me through a lot, mainly Jackie & Dujuan. You two are awesome and I can't wait to see you when Micah goes and sees his dad around Christmas! Love you all!

Having A Great Time!

2007-07-06T22:12:00.000-08:00

Micah and I are doing very well. I start my second job with Bethel Police Department on Monday. I am excited! I am going to be one of their Public Safety Dispatchers. This will give me even more of an opportunity to save money for Law School and we can be out of Bethel in two years maximum.....who knows what the future actually holds because Bethel is starting to grow on me. Small towns are really, really nice...I enjoy the friends I have made and the interesting people I have met. As for my main job with the Attorney General's Office.....I LOVE IT. I have been so blessed with this amazing opportunity. I have actually been thinking more about international law practice and working for the government after Law School. My Jeep is being put on the barge in 2 weeks to be shipped out here to Bethel. What else...umm, not too much we are just loving life at the moment!

Love is like war, easy to start, hard to end, impossible to forget.

2007-06-14T23:03:00.000-08:00

Well, now I am officially single. Kyle and I were on a 'break' for the summer while I was here in Alaska. Now this job I have looks more permanent and we have both decided this will be for the best to see other people and move on with our lives apart. More than likely I will be here in Bethel completing school and working (saving for law school of course!). If this is right then it will still be right a few years down the road. He is a good guy so I wish the best for him!

Want to see more of Bethel, Alaska?

2007-06-13T01:02:00.001-08:00

Here is an awesome website for photos and information about Bethel:

www.bethelak.com

Be sure to click on the 'Photos' link on the right hand side of the page and scroll through. It is amazing what Mother Nature has given us. We sure are blessed to live in America with running water, electricity, fresh produce and all of the other luxuries we have here in this wonderful country.

I have a new job!

2007-06-13T00:59:00.000-08:00

Well, I was very blessed to have found a wonderful job here in Bethel, Alaska. I am currently the Law Office Assistant I in the Office of the Attorney General. I am floored at the opportunity to put my skills to the test. If you didn't know, I was studying Paralegal Studies at Utah Valley State College. I have not currently completed my degree but that is on the 'to do' list for the upcoming 2 years. This position will probably keep me here in Bethel long term. I am the support staff for two wonderful female attorney's (they are both great role models/mentors). I also plan on going to Law School shortly after my undergraduate degree is completed. This job will allow me to save a significant amount of money so that I can attend Law School full-time without the need to work. I will update you more about the job later...maybe I will even take a photo of my awesome desk.

Mommy & Micah's Roadtrip to Alaska

2007-05-11T18:08:00.001-08:00

Well, Micah and I decided to go to Alaska for the summer. We will be staying in Bethel, Alaska (yes, literally out in the middle of no where) with my parents and working all summer. First we are stopping in Boise and Rexburg, Idaho to see Kyle and his family then off to Alaska!

Entering Idaho....and Micah in the back seat!

Here is Kyle & Micah watching one of their favorite shows, (can you guess which cartoon it is) while Kyle was doing some homework. He will be a good Dad someday.

Micah has been very blessed to have such great male role models in his life. Words cannot express the love and appreciation I have for Kyle and his relationship with Micah. It has been fun to watch Micah come to respect a man so much.

5/6/2007 Great Falls, Montana. I went and visited Kyle and his family for a minute and now I am in Great Falls, Montana getting ready to cross the border into crazy Canada in the morning. I have about 4 days left of driving if I keep going at my current rate. It is taking forever and Micah is tired of his car seat already. I should just turn back and spend the summer with Kyle and his fun and awesome family.

Days Inn, Great Falls, Montana....headed out to Edmonton, AB Canada

5/7/07 Edmonton, Alberta Canada. We stayed at the Super 8 ($143.00) are theses people serious? I think that is a lot for one room. We are driving 11 hours tomorrow so that is going to be one heck of a long trip. I think we can watch Shrek 2 about 7 times in 11 hours.

5/8/07 Fort Neslon, British Columbia Canada. Today was a long long long drive. We are on the Alaska Highway now. Tomorrow night I will be in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory and then Tok Alaska on Thursday Night. Friday night I will be in Wasilla Alaska....home sweet home. This is a little crazy though I must say. I was driving tonight and kept thinking to myself...Tayva are you serious this is crazy what were you thinking!!! Next time I will be flying for sure. I am staying in the Mini Prince Motel here in Fort Nelson. It is small and cozy....but Alaska roughing it kind of cozy.

5/9/07 Haines Junction, British Columbia Canada. I made it a little farther than I thought I would. Plus I looked up things on the map and I can make it all the way to Wasilla, Alaska tomorrow! I stayed at the Kluane Park Inn. There were about 20 rooms. The rooms didn’t have a phone, clock or internet. I guess things are very limited there in Haines Junction.

5/10/07 I am here! I arrived tonight at 6pm Alaska time. It was a long drive but I have a lot of fun pictures and when it was all over I asked Micah if he had fun....he said yes so I am hoping he hasn't been traumatized by 10 hrs a day in the car...lol. Well, thank you so much for all of your thoughts and prayers while I was driving. I really appreciate it! I think for the trip back if I can't talk Kyle into coming and saving me and drive back with me then I will be putting the Jeep on the ferry.

We finally made it. I can't tell you how excited I was to see the American border and this sign!!